The battle to get into the top flight is currently being fought out by three teams. Leading the pack are University Staff. David Drew compiled 72 as Dronfield Woodhouse posted a competitive 183-8 (Ashfaq Lone 4-38). Paul Kerry (110no) was in irresistable form for Staff as they reached the winning post with only two men down.

Just two points behind in second place are Stocksbridge. They assembled a formidable 249-7 (Ward 55, Codd 119) at SWD II, who were bowled out for 160 (Wake 75, Hibbert 5-29). The third part of the equation is formed by Millhouses. Sohail Mumtaz (4-56) put Baslow back in the pavilion for 142 and watched as Akeel Sarwar (65no) steered his side to an eight wicket success.

The seasons first tie was played out at Niagara where Centralians II entertained Hathersage II. Ben Furniss made 120 to see Hathersage II to a healthy 220-5. Winston Foster (89) saw Centralians close on 220-9 despite 6-76 from Kevn Rowney. Paul Cane (101no) and Duncan Burnett (43) were the mainstays of Parkhead II's 227-6. Grindleford were bowled out for 162 in reply (Adam Cornes 40). Stocksbridge II were restricted to 107-8, which Bakewell surpassed for the loss of three men (James Luckraft 54no).

On Sunday, they held Parkhead II to 162-7 and claimed a further four wicket success. Sheffield Works Department have opened up an eight point lead in Division One. They bowled bottom side Chesterfield Barbarians out for 136 (Jon Denby 62, Ian Robinson 4-16, Walt Hawley 4-23) and achieved victory with six men to spare. Parkhead are casting aside their poor showing in 2004 and claim second place. Ian Davies (51) and Edman Bowers (53) guided them to 200-6 away at Collegiate, who could only manage 125-8 in reply (Andy Langdale 49).

Calver's 157-8 was enough to see them move into third as Ian Hallows took 5-13 to dismiss struggling Stanton for just 82. Nick Somerton (7-55) saw Centralians restricted to 122-9 and allowed his Hathersage side to gain a seven wicket win (Phil Burnip 45no). Defending champions Hundall suffered a major setback being bowled out for 104 by Ashford In The Water. Skipper Andrew Paulett (53) then led his side to a crushing nine wicket triumph. De La Salle were pegged back to 138-9 by Peter Silcock (6-14) of Holmesfield. Neil Pearson (56) saw the visitors home by six wickets.

League newcomers Sheepbridge head up Division Three by twenty six points having played a game more than anyone else. They dismissed University Staff II for 137 (A.Rahim 53, D.Hulett 5-34) and romped home by eight wickets (A.Hulett 57, D.Atkin 45). Richland Wanderers made it four on the trot with a win at home to Ridgeway. The visitors were bowled out for 130 (Geoff Woodhead 43) with Jamie Meakin taking 5-20. The Wanderers went on to victory by six wickets, skipper Andy Tann hitting 55.

De La Salle II remain in contention in third place. Tim Hayward (4-16) made short work of Coal Aston, who were all out for 87, allowing the Beauchief-based club to a two wicket win. Collegiate were led to 145-8 (Adam Shaw 4-45) by junior Billy Root (41). Hundall made it to the winning post with seven men in hand (Ian Bayston 43no). Transport hit the day's highest score with 230-7 (John Slack 54, Abdul Saleh 54). Millhouses II made a valiant effort but fell just short at 187-8 (S.Khan 87no, T.Fox 4-26).

Hallam have regained their place at the top of Division Four. They posted 199-9 (Andy Clarke 80no, Dave Turner 5-52) at home to Richland Wanderers II on Sunday. The Wanderers fell just short at 173-7 (Colin Stewart 5-57) despite 47 from Paul Fletcher. Baslow II were the overnight leaders having bowled Chesterfield Barbarians II out for 121 (Jim Ferguson 4-24) and gained a five wicket win. Stocksbridge III registered 145-6 (Glen Bramwell 5-58) with Nick Smalley hitting 58. Bramwell capped a fine performance by scoring 51 as Sheepbridge II closed on 146-6. Dronfield Sports amassed 216-5 (J.Barrett 100no) away at Zingari, who replied with 168 all out (R.Rupra 41, D.Oates 4-52).